Contents

Biography

Penington was the son of Robert Penington and followed him in becoming a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. He inherited several estates from his father and purchased one of his own. He made a fortune as a wine and cloth merchant. From 1626 he acted as financial agent to his second cousin, Admiral John Penington. He increased his commercial holdings in 1629 by becoming a partner in the brewery business of his second wife's family. His wife, Mary (née Wilkinson), and he were both staunch Puritans.

After the Restoration, he was tried for high treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he died on the night of 16 December 1661.[7]

Family

Penington was married twice. Several of his children became members of the Religious Society of Friends, most notably his son Isaac Penington. However, Sir Issac's son Arthur Pennington (Pennington) became a Roman Catholic priest.[8]

1
Annotation

Pennington. I am unwilling to be troublesome to the Court. This I shall take the boldness to say; (which shall be nothing but truth) I never had a hand in plotting, contriving malicious practices against his Majesty, demonstrated by utterly refusing to sign the Warrant for his Execution though often sollicited thereunto; I cannot deny but I sate amongst them that day of the Sentence but I cannot remember I was there when the Sentence passed. My sitting amongst them was out of ignorance, I knew not what I did, therefore I hope you wil believe there was nothing of malice in any thing I did. I was misled to it.---An Exact and Most Impartial Accompt of the Indictment, Arraignment, Trial, and Judgment (according to Law) of Twenty Nine Regicides. 1679.